Ministry for Foreign Affairs and missions abroad

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs promotes the security and welfare of Finland and the Finns, and works for a secure and fair world.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs concentrates on foreign and security policy, trade policy and development policy as well as on significant foreign policy issues and international relations in general. The Ministry also assists other branches of government in the coordination of international affairs.

The Finnish Foreign Service – the Ministry and approximately one hundred diplomatic and consular missions – focuses on serving Finns, the Finnish economy and society at large, the country’s political leadership and Parliament.

Finland’s welfare is increasingly based on knowledge, creativity and innovation. The relatively small domestic market offers limited possibilities for success. It is therefore of the utmost importance to work more effectively at an international level.

Finns also travel more than ever, for both business and pleasure. This creates growing challenges for Finnish diplomatic and consular missions abroad.